Rooted in history and imbued with old-school traditions, the Neshoba County Fair is the place to be for camaraderie, events and a good ole’ time over in Philadelphia. “Mississippi’s Giant House Party” will host its 137th year from June 19 through June 26, and you’ll want to stop in and stay a spell to experience everything the fair has to offer.

Originally known as the Coldwater Fair, the Neshoba County Fair got its humble beginning in 1889 as a community-wide picnic to showcase agriculture and display women’s handiwork. Two years later, the fair was officially organized under the Neshoba County Stock and Agricultural Fair Association. “We still like to keep that present in the fair today,” says Natalie Nowell Scruggs, publicity and media relations chair of the fair. “We have a livestock show and showcase crops in the exhibit hall to keep that tradition going.”

Since its inception, the Fair has evolved and expanded into what it is today. The Pavilion on Founder’s Square was constructed around 1894 and has only had minor repairs and refurbishments with no cosmetic or architectural changes. The 1.5-mile oval racetrack was built in 1914 and remains the only licensed horse track in Mississippi, hosting sanctioned races now for over 100 years.

Cabins were erected in place of wagons and tents. “They were simple one-story cabins,” says Natalie. “Now, there’s maybe one like that left.” With nearly 600 individually owned cabins, many have been in families for generations. “They were started by great-great-grandparents from Philadelphia, and now their families continue to come back every year,” Natalie adds.

And, of course, the political speaking tradition began in 1896 with Governor McLaurin. Over the years, prominent political figures like Ronald Reagan, John Glenn, Jack Kemp, and Donald Trump Jr. have visited the fairgrounds to deliver speeches. “We still have the original podium that Ronald Reagan spoke at,” Natalie adds. “It’s a neat historical piece that we’re proud of.”

Throughout its 137-year history, there have only been two instances where the annual fair was suspended: World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic. “I had never known a year without the fair,” Natalie reminisces. “And a lot of people are the same way. It was such a difficult decision to cancel the fair back in 2020.”

Although the fair has naturally evolved over the years, the Neshoba County Fair remains true to its traditions. “You have to learn to grow and change, but we try to keep it as old school as we can,” Natalie says. Rather, the fair has adopted positive changes, such as the installation of ATMs throughout the fairgrounds and the implementation of additional security measures to ensure everyone’s safety. “I’d say it’s evolved even in the last decade, but not by much—because we don’t want it to!” Natalie adds.

The Neshoba County Fair hosts a slew of events each day, so there’s always something to look forward to, no matter your age. Children can enjoy activities like the petting zoo, a children’s concert, and a clothesline art show.

For a complete look at everything the Neshoba County Fair has to offer and a schedule of events, visit their website at neshobacountyfair.org.

Take a break from fair fun and explore Philadelphia.

Can’t score a cabin invite? Rest your head close by:

Best Western Plus

Dancing Rabbit Inn

Days Inn

Deluxe Inn & Suites

Pearl River Resort

Quality Inn

Silver Star Hotel & Casino

Head to town and support local businesses:

Added Touch Flowers & Gifts

Bobby’s Jewelry

Cherry Pick’d Antique Shop

EJR Frames, Produce & Things

Faye’s Clothing

HASE Clothing Company

JDabbs Designs

Jewelry Just 4 Fun

Kademi

Let It B

MG & Company

Philly Flowers & Gifts

Southern Avenue + TMae’s Boutique

Square Peg Minimall

Steve’s on the Square

The Clothesline

The Eclectic Pearl Inside Vintage Revival

Williams Brothers General Store

Want to grab a bite (and air conditioning)?

Blake’s Seafood

Bloomo Diner

City Limits Seafood & Steaks

CrisMont Creations

Old Mexico Mexican Restaurant

Our Hometown, Philadelphia

Pearl River Resort

Ronnie’s Steak N Grill

SSSS Steakhouse

The Porterhouse

Tiffany’s Restaurant LLC

Tootie’s Country Buffet